Capture this: Confession
Anyone who follows social media posts related to religion, particularly Catholicism (see #CatholicTwitter), knows that there is as much conflict as there is consensus. For example, while scrolling through Twitter this morning I came across this innocuous tweet by Fr. Chris Vorderbruggen. (The priest’s Twitter — X, if you prefer — account has since been deleted.) His succinct message — Confession during world youth day — was accompanied by a photo of priests listening to confessions.
It didn’t take long for people to take offense at the image.
“Is it improper and unfitting to take a picture of a penitent confessing to a priest who is seen and seen seeing the penitent?” stated one poster.
In reply, Fr. Vorderbruggen responded:
“Don’t overthink things. That’s almost a form of scrupulosity. Find joy in the youth that so many people believe are lost to the world coming and confessing their sins and receiving absolution.”
That led another poster to cite the Code of Canon Law, noting that “the proper place to hear sacramental confessions is a church or oratory. … Confessions are not to be heard outside a confessional without a just cause.”
The priest’s reply to this and other comments sought to ease their consciences:
“Although this might be something new for you to see because you haven’t experienced it like that before, it happens quite often actually. For example, as a missionary, I’ve never heard a confession inside the confines of a confessional….”
As a photographer in the Catholic press, I’ve captured many images of people receiving the sacrament of confession. As with all other photographs taken in a religious setting, I take precautions not to be conspicuous. I try to respect my surroundings and those present.
Catholic publications require images that illustrate the topic at hand. A story on this sacrament will attract more readers with a well-composed image. Whenever possible, I try to focus on the priest and not the penitent.
Below is a slideshow of images I’ve taken over the years. If you have an opinion on this topic, please share in the comments.
